Three new categories were introduced to the awards this year, including Big Chip IoT Impact Award, won by Things North, Big Chip Transformation Award, which Apadmi scooped with its work with NHS Blood and Transplant, and the Big Chip Leadership Award won by Gavin Sherratt of Mashbo.

Winning entries were picked by judges including celebrated designer Malcolm Garrett, Alastair Cole of The Engine Group, the BBC’s Bill Thompson, Joanna Blackburn from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Caroline Gorski, head of IoT at Digital Catapult.

Lawrence Jones MBE, founder and CEO at headline sponsor UKFast, added: “It’s incredible to see the leading talent from across the region come together to celebrate their achievements.

“The momentum in our digital and creative industries right now is extraordinary and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to highlight the very best projects and the very brightest talent.”

Paul Martynenko, president of awards partner, BCS, said: ‘I’d like to congratulate all the Big Chip winners, which clearly shows the vibrancy and dynamism of the digital community in the North.

“As sponsors of the inaugural Leadership Award, I cannot think of a better winner than Gavin Sherratt, a dynamic entrepreneur who as well as growing his own start-up digital business, has done much to promote the digital future of the North.

“We’re also delighted to see the Little Chip Award, go to Benjamin Sinclair of Manchester Metropolitan University, who exemplifies the wonderful future that lies ahead for those who choose a career in our wonderful industry.”

The full winners list:

Best B2B Business ProjectDuo Design with MathsWatch VLE

Best B2C Business ProjectKMP Digitata with Aberdeen Airport contextual timeline